Will you ride mountain bikes more or less in 2026?

We want to know if you plan to mountain bike more or less this year, and why.

By Jeff Barber
January 4, 2026

11 comments

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A mountain biker jumps over a small section of a dirt path in a lush green forest. The cyclist, wearing a helmet and a red t-shirt, shows an expression of excitement as he rides an orange mountain bike. Surrounding trees and foliage create a vibrant and natural backdrop.

Mountain biking is fun! It’s good for us. It’s an excuse to get together with friends. We want more!

On the other hand, mountain biking is expensive. It’s time-consuming. It’s challenging.

As you consider your plans for the New Year, we want to know if your plans for 2026 involve more riding or less.

Tell us why you plan to ride more or less this year in the comments below!

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11 Comments

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Dave H 2026
Jan 4, 2026

Naturally, I plan on riding more this season, more local rides, more destination rides. But I don't think anyone says or plans on riding less than they did last season either.

5 reply

highland.hippie Queensland // 2021
Jan 5, 2026

My partner and I hardly rode at all last year. So, more to both!

Some of it was injury related: I axed myself in practice for the first DH race of the season, which in addition to taking me out for that and the following race, shook my confidence.

But life has also intruded at pretty much every turn. Hope to turn that around some, but in the end, life will be what it will be.

4 reply

Namdoog Maine // 2025
Jan 4, 2026

I had my second total knee replacement in August of last year so that pretty much ended my biking season although I did get a few rides in last month. This year I'm hoping to get back to normal with close to 100 days.

3 reply

Bontrager fan 1972 New South Wales // 2023
Jan 4, 2026

I hope to get more time in with my avatar Trek and others I own if my scaphoid in my left hand/wrist settles down a bit . Riding is therapeudic in a way .

1 reply

David Brow& North Carolina // 2015
Jan 4, 2026

I missed 66 prime days of riding weather with a broken thumb. I intend to not repeat that experience this year! So more riding it shall be

Hap Proctor Florida // 2014
Jan 5, 2026

I plan on riding more, but what’s the saying? …..”Men make plans and God giggles”.
I do need to ride trails within a couple hours of my home more this year. I’ve ignored a few while just riding my local system, which is quite expansive.
Additionally, I plan on a cross country trip to Oregon this summer. It will be my first long distance excursion since 2022. There will be several stops along the way, coming and going.
That’s the plan ……we’ll see how it goes.

Aaron Wilson 2026
Jan 4, 2026

Honestly, I don't like my current bike at all, and I'm not in a position to purchase a new one. Otherwise I'd be more excited and likely ride more. Destination rides might get me out more often because the experience of new trails can offset the disappointment of a bike that I don't enjoy.

2 reply

bikejoy Georgia // 2023
Jan 8, 2026

Sorry to hear this! Hopefully you can find a ride that you like. Facebook marketplace often has affordable 29er bikes that can do everything. You don’t need a fancy bike to have fun, just good enough to get you around on the trails. Wishing you a good year of riding!

Exodux California // 2017
Jan 5, 2026

2025 was a dismal year for me in terms of riding. I just had too many things happen that took me away from cycling. I hope in 2026 that these same things don't reappear.
My plan is do lots of long rides, something that I've always done. Rides of 35-65 miles with lots of elevation. These are the rides I love and hope to do. I may have done a couple of rides over 30 miles last year.

wazza.w 2016
Jan 9, 2026

I had bit of a slack year last year, winter was not conducive for riding, I also work away for 3 weeks at a time, My fitness level has been on a downwards spiral. Still working away, certainly have fantastic intentions to reverse the spiral direction this year. Coming from Tasmania I have so many trails close to home to choose from, so no excuses.

0 reply

Sunspot Colorado // 2019
Jan 8, 2026

Pithy, punkass EnduroBMX is going to do loads of singlespeeding on the singletrack in the high country of Colorado.

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